Joint position paper from the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) & Committee on Toxicity (COT) on establishing a provisional acceptable daily intake (ADI) for pure form (≥98%) cannabidiol (CBD) in foods, based on new evidence.

Abstract

Following the announcement by the FSA that from 31st March 2021, all CBD products on the market must have their safety assured by companies submitting a valid safety application, there have been a large number of CBD-related novel food applications. Consequently, a significant level of additional data has become available that requires review. A joint Subgroup of the ACNFP and COT was formed to address a series of questions in relation to the safety of CBD-containing and hemp-derived ingredients. The overarching aim of the Subgroup is to enable the FSA to perform risk assessments for CBD in food. While there are a number of routes of exposure for CBD, the provisional ADI stated in this paper has been established on the basis of oral exposure. The objectives of the Subgroup are to: Review the new data received from the novel food applications. Update previous reviews of CBD safety evidence and provide revised conclusions based on these reviews. Provide advice on whether the data available support identification of an Acceptable Daily Intake for CBD as a food ingredient. 1. This joint position paper by the ACNFP and COT is the outcome of discussions as of March 2023, which have focused on the risk assessment of foods and supplements in which the CBD ingredient itself is at least ≥98% purity. The new position described below provides advice on the safety of ingesting products containing at least ≥98% pure CBD via oral administration only and forms a basis for considering the applications under the Novel Foods Regulation. This advice should not be applied directly to CBD products that are inhaled or applied dermally, nor does it consider exposure from such product types.